The Greene County Highway Department has been awarded a 2009 Structure Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Capital Branch for the context-sensitive replacement of the historical High Falls Road Extension bridge between High Falls Road and NYS Route 23A within the Town of Catskill, Greene County, NY.

Greene County worked with Albany engineering firm Barton & Loguidice, P.C., to integrate the replacement structure into the natural, visual and historic character of the area. The proximity and historic importance of the R. Schram stone house sited approximately 50 feet from the High Falls Road Bridge, and scenic stone-laden stream banks of the Kaaterskill Creek over which the bridge crosses led to the use of colorized concrete architectural treatments for the structure that emulate the existing stonework surround the site.

Immediately upstream of the bridge are the remains of a large stone/dam spillway. An increased shoulder width on the upstream side of the bridge facing the stone/dam spillway structure was built into the project to allow pedestrians and bicyclists passing by to stop and enjoy the views.

High Falls Road Extension (T.H. 6A) serves as a connecting road between High Falls Road and NYS Route 23A. This link allows local traffic to bypass the intersection of High Falls Road and NYS Route 32 enroute to NYS Route 23A. Lying just to the east of the Catskill Park boundary, this road is an important link for travel within the local community.

The APWA recognized Barton & Loguidice as the designer on the award, and Arch Bridge Contracting Corporation was recognized on the award as the contractor.

The site where High Falls Road Extension crosses the Kaaterskill Creek lies just to the east of the Catskill Park boundary and just to the west of the site of High Falls, which is among the most picturesque and significant natural resources in the area. The Kaaterskill Creek served an important role in the industrial development of the eastern Catskill Mountains with mills and tanneries lining the Creek, as evidenced by the remnants of the 19th Century dam/spillway structure upstream of the High Falls Road Extension Bridge. Remains of old stone foundations and retaining walls, along with the historic Myers (Schram) House (circa 1807), located in the southwest bridge quadrant, contribute to the natural, aesthetic and cultural setting of the bridge site and stream corridor.

The previous two-span structure had a history of retaining debris washing downstream at the pier location and exhibited signs of structural deterioration. Replacement with a single span structure provided an improved hydraulic opening and capacities at the site. The Kaaterskill Creek and Falls are among the most picturesque and significant natural resources within the Park. Memorialized by the Hudson River School Artists, the Kaaterskill also served an important role in the industrial development of the eastern Catskill Mountains. Mills and tanneries lined the Creek, as evidenced by the remnants of the 19th Century dam/spillway structure upstream of the High Falls Road Bridge. Sites within the bridge’s southeast quadrant, the historic Myers (Schram) House, circa 1807, contributes to the aesthetic and cultural setting of the bridge.